Detroit Public Schools kicked off its Application Schools Period Monday, March 2 for its 21 Application Schools. Families seeking to apply for spots in these schools should apply at the school building site for the 2015–16 school year. This is the first of two periods during March–April for families to select schools. An Open Enrollment Period for all schools will follow, from April 13–24 and [Read more…]

The freezing winter air and a chest cold did not stop Principal Melissa Villarreal from standing at her post, holding open the front door of Roberto Clemente Academy on a recent morning, greeting every student and parent who walked passed her.
She fluidly switched from English to Spanish, answering parents’ questions about the lunch menu that day, an attendance campaign the district [Read more…]

LANSING, Mich. – Detroit Public Schools remains under a financial emergency as community leaders start discussions about a long-term reinvention to build a stable, financially secure system that creates a brighter future for all city students, Gov. Rick Snyder said. With the district struggling with a nearly $170 million deficit, Snyder said it is necessary to continue with an emergency [Read more…]

There's never been a better time for businesses, alumni, community members and everyone concerned with public education to partner with Detroit Public Schools. With a rigorous new five-year academic plan in place and new instructional strategies and a stronger curriculum in every classroom, major worldwide corporations and alumni of local schools are stepping forward to volunteer, contribute and pledge human resources, talent, technology and monetary gifts.

Inside Detroit Public Schools » Detroit International Academy

I am a proud Pink Panther of the Detroit International Academy where I pledged to put forth my best effort to mature socially, excel academically and grow spiritually to become a productive citizen, an astute leader, a compassionate friend and a positive role model for young women everywhere. Pink Panther Pledge 2005

The Detroit International Academy (DIA), the home of the Pink Panthers, has only been in existence for 3 years and is housed in what was formerly Northern High School. As soon as the doors opened in its former location, the enrollment reached capacity. A same sex environment for young ladies appealed to parents and to the students. It is one of the two same sex schools in the District and together they are the only public, college prep schools of their kind in the state.

The teachers and staff set lofty goals for the young ladies and focus their energies on helping students to be able to make positive contributions in the global society that is their future.

Although the school environment is different, in the classrooms, the focus is the same as in all the District schools-improved student achievement. At DIA it begins with a solid curriculumfoundation of language arts, science, math and social studies. That knowledge is then strengthened and broadened with other courses such as foreign language, dance, drama, art, physical education and JROTC. To that add involvement in extra curricular activities such as the Chess Club, Debate Team, Robotics and competition in the Science Olympiad. Then there are the business partners and community organizations such as Great Expectations, the DTE Energy Foundation, Upward Bound, Wayne State University, The Michigan Round Table for Diversity and Inclusion, Borders Book Store, the LINKS, and more that also provide learning opportunities.

Developing character is a major part of the school mission. Students are taught anger management and conflict resolution, leadership skills, basics of finance along with performing community service projects and learning from their mentors.

Prospective students must apply to the school, have at least a 2.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation, no serious Student Code infractions, do well in the interview and undergo a skills assessment. Those who are successful applicants will become one of the few who proudly wear the Pink Panther uniform.